First aid can be the difference between life and death and can be carried out by anyone. If someone has a cardiac arrest and their heart stops outside of a hospital, their chances of surviving can be significantly increased with the help of first aid. The aim through first aid is to keep enough blood circulating around the body until definitive treatment, such as a defibrillator or hospital transfer, is available. CPR, which stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation, has been known to help keep people alive for 40 to 50 minutes until treatment.
CPR, which stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation, has been known to help keep people alive for 40 to 50 minutes until treatment
So how do you carry out CPR?
Dr Ranj Singh appeared on ITV’s This Morning to reveal the steps to take.
1. If someone collapses in front of you, check their safe to approach. Check for a response by calling out to them
Dr Ranj said: “If they don’t shout for help ask them to call 999 and ask them to get the nearest AED (defibrillator).
“If you’re by yourself, call 999 yourself and get an AED yourself before anything else.”
The only time you start CPR before getting an AED and calling 999 is it its a child or drowning victim.
2. Check for signs of life – check for movement, normal breathing, noise and check for a pulse
Dr Ranj advised: “If there are no signs of life then start CPR.”
3. CPR – chest compressions
Putting one hand on the breastbone, interlock the other on top, make sure your arms are straight and bend from the hips.
Dr Ranj said you should aim for a pace of 100 beats per minute for the chest compressions. The beat in the Bee Gees ‘Staying Alive’ is about the right pace.
The TV doctor said: “Keep hands in contact with he chest. Release all the way up to allow the heart to refill with blood before you push again.
“After 30 compressions give a breath. If you don’t know how to do that, keep going with continuous chest compressions.”
To give a breath, put the head in a neutral position, pinch the nose, then circle their mouth with yours and give quick, short, sharp blows. You should see the chest rise up and down.
Children have healthier hearts, so are more likely to have problems with their breath.
Dr Ranj advised giving five rescue breaths before starting compressions.
When do compressions on a baby or smaller child you should consider using two fingers in the middle of their chest, use both thumbs, or use one hand in a slightly older child.
Again, do 30 compressions to every breath.
4. Recovery position
You should keep going with the chest compressions until the emergency services arrive, the person comes around, or you become too exhausted to carry on.
Dr Ranj said: “If someone comes around and starts breathing normally, stay with them and pop them into the recovery position.”
Kneel beside them and move the arm nearest to you in a right angle to their body.
Bring the other arm to the opposite cheek and hold it there.
Also grab their knee furthers away then roll their body towards you.
Make sure their airwaves are open.
Dr Chris Steele took to This Morning earlier this week to issue his advice on the measles vaccine.
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